Ailing magpies?

[nytecam]

We have breeding magpies in our neighbourhood for years and they are regular feeders in our garden if never at the birdtable.

We've noticed recently our 'Hoppy' [he's only got one foot] looks as if he's head is smaller or shrinking [silly I know] and assume its due to reduced neck feathers and he looks like a juvenile. Also he's not as active as before. We've noticed other magpies in the neighbourhood of similar appearance etc.

Any thoughts?

[rossy]

yes they are going through what we call moult and its common at this time of the year, rossy,

[faz]

as rossy says and in the moult they must feel " down " so they tend to hide more etc untill they have there new coats then act as magpies do

[Dogghound]

I dont think its that they are down its that they are more prone to attack from predators, their flight and speed are both reduced, this is especially the case in common species like blackbird and robin who just vanish into the undergrowth. Lots of juveniles around at the moment though.

[thebeard]

i've noticed this with a few corvids recently. also saw a near-bald dunnock the other day, which i can only assume is down to the same reasons.

[faz]

Originally Posted by Dogghound

I dont think its that they are down its that they are more prone to attack from predators, their flight and speed are both reduced, this is especially the case in common species like blackbird and robin who just vanish into the undergrowth. Lots of juveniles around at the moment though.

perhaps "down " was the wrong expression vunurable

[nytecam]

Thanks everyone for your positive responses - so annual moult it is which is good news